Undersea Conduit Coupling with Automatic Sliding Gate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conduit couplings for underwater applications do not provide a straight-through passageway and fail to automatically seal when decoupled, which is essential for preventing debris and seawater ingress and ensuring smooth cable pulling in marine environments.
Innovation Solution
The design features male and female coupling halves with a sliding gate that automatically opens during mating and closes when separated, ensuring a straight conduit path and preventing debris entry, utilizing beveled surfaces and radial seals for smooth cable passage and fluid-tight sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional conduit couplings are used for underwater applications, then the coupling structure is simple, but the passageway is not straight and automatic sealing is not provided when decoupled
Solution Approach 1:
The gate valve automatically opens when the male and female coupling members are mated and automatically closes when they are separated, without requiring external control mechanisms. The system uses the mating action itself to trigger the sealing function, making the coupling self-regulating and improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The gate valve transitions from a static component to a dynamic one that moves between open and closed positions based on the coupling state. This dynamic behavior allows the system to provide automatic sealing when decoupled while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional conduit couplings are used, then the device complexity is low, but debris and seawater can enter the conduit when decoupled
Solution Approach 1:
The gate valve automatically closes when the coupling members are separated, preventing debris and seawater from entering the conduit without requiring external monitoring or control systems. The coupling structure itself provides the sealing action through the automatic gate mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The gate valve is extracted as a separate functional component within the coupling structure, dedicated specifically to the sealing function. This allows the gate to be optimized for debris prevention while the rest of the coupling structure remains relatively simple
3Ease of operation
If a straight passageway is provided through the coupling, then cable pulling is facilitated, but the coupling structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is divided into male and female members with distinct functions. The male member contains the gate valve mechanism while the female member provides the receiving chamber, allowing the straight passageway function to be achieved through the assembly of segmented components rather than a single complex piece
Solution Approach 2:
The gate valve dynamically adjusts its position to enable a straight passageway when coupled and provide sealing when decoupled. This dynamic element allows the coupling to facilitate cable pulling during installation while maintaining structural simplicity in its decoupled state
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides a reliable, debris-proof, and fluid-tight conduit coupling system that facilitates smooth cable pulling and maintenance by ensuring a straight passageway and automatic closure, enhancing the integrity and longevity of underwater fiber optic and electrical cable installations.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring positioned in the bore and biased against the gate to push the gate in the closed position
Implementation Method 2
a cam surface on the insertion end of the other one of the coupling members, the cam follower in sliding engagement with the cam surface, wherein upon insertion of one coupling member into the other, the cam follower traverses the cam surface to move the gate to the open position
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling for tubular goods having male and female coupling halves adapted to provide a straight-through conduit path when joined together. In a preferred embodiment, the male member has a sliding gate which opens automatically when the coupling halves are mated and closes off the central passageway automatically when the coupling halves are separated. The gate prevents debris from entering the central passageway when the coupling is de-mated. This is a particular advantage in undersea environments. The coupling may include seals for providing a fluid-tight connection between the male and female members.